The basics

A lot of non-poker players ask me basic questions about playing poker online so I want to get a few basics out of the way.

I basically only play No Limit Hold Em (with some Pot Limit Omaha and Stud Hi/Lo). I usually play .50/1 but when I see a good table I'll sit 1/2. I usually play 4 tables but hopefully when I start playing full time I can up that to 6-8 tables. I play on the following sites (in order of preference): PokerStars, FullTiltPoker, Paradise Poker, and PartyPoker. I also am a sucker for 6/12 and 10/20 limit hold 'em at Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant, MI (as well as the craps tables and video poker machines while I wait for 10/20 seats).

I use PokerOffice for tracking stats and PokerStove (and/or twodimes.net) for hand analysis. I keep pretty detailed stats from every session in spreadsheets.

I read articles and discussion on pocketfives.com every day. The wealth of knowledge from top ranked players (johnnybax, green plastic, mrsmokey1, zeejustin, etc.) there is nothing short of incredible. I also am a sucker for recpoker.com and twoplustwo.com too even though the posts are usually more amateur-ish.

I have read and reccomend the following books (in order of preference): The Little Green Book, Harrington on Hold 'Em I and II, The Theory of Poker, Hold 'Em for Advanced Players, Super System I and II.

Another important learning tool is talking to other players about hands and strategy. I will be the first to admit my game has plenty of holes and I'll take advice from anyone that can help fill them. If you ever want to chat I'm usually on AIM on InKevinWeTrust while I'm playing.

No poker today as I prepare for my final two exams and get ready to move home for the summer. Already reached the $3k milestone for April though, so the rest of the month's earnings are all unexpected anyway. I'll be on FTP tomorrow for as long as I can possibly play.